Scan privacy tool for printing operations

ABSTRACT

A multi-functional printing (MFP) includes a scan privacy tool to allow edits and changes to a document image to remove or hide private information within a document. The scan privacy tool is enabled for jobs on the MFP device and launches when a print job is run. The document is sent from a device or retrieved from memory storage. The document image displayed on a display and edit interface of the scan privacy tool. Changes are made to the document image using tools available through the scan privacy tool. The changes are applied to the document image. The modified image is saved and transmitted to an engine in the MFP device to complete the print job.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to printing documents and using a scanprivacy tool to perform actions on the scanned document to be printed atthe multi-functional printer prior to printing the document.

DESCRIPTION OF THE RELATED ART

A user may print a document by sending it in an electronic form to amulti-functional printing (MFP) device. The document is created on acomputing device. The computing device may store the documentelectronically before sending it over the network to the MFP device.Once sent, however, the user has no opportunity to revise or change thedocument before it is printed. This issue may be especially problematicif sensitive or confidential information is within the document. Theuser may not wish to overwrite or remove the information from the saveddocument but also does not wish to print a document with theinformation. To do so, the user would print the document, edit out theconfidential information using correction fluid, paper, or other officesupplies, and then reprint the document at the MFP device. A processsuch as this is time consuming, especially if many copies of thedocument need to be made.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

A multi-functional printing (MFP) device is disclosed. The MFP deviceincludes printer components to print an image file of a document. TheMFP device also includes an engine to receive the document to generatethe image file for the printer components and to suspend printingoperations. The MFP device also includes a scan privacy tool. The scanprivacy tool includes an imaging interface to store the image file fromthe engine during the suspended printing operations. The scan privacytool also includes a display and edit interface to receive the imagefile from the imaging interface and to display the image file. Thedisplay and edit interface performs an action to modify the image fileusing a tool. The scan privacy tool also includes a scan privacy toollibrary to support the tool to modify the image file as displayed by thedisplay and edit interface. The display and edit interface sends themodified image file to the imaging interface. The engine receives themodified image file from the imaging interface and provides the modifiedimage file to the printer components.

A system for printing a document also is disclosed. The system includesa multi-functional printing (MFP) device to print the document usingprinter components. The system also includes a device connected to theMFP device. The document is created or stored on the device. The systemalso includes an engine within the MFP device to receive the documentand generate an image file of the document compatible with the printercomponents. The system also includes a scan privacy tool to receive theimage file from the engine and to modify the image file. The scanprivacy tool performs an action to modify the image file using a tool.The modified image file is provided to the engine to complete printingoperations.

A method of printing a document also is disclosed. The method includesreceiving the document at a multi-functional printing (MFP) device. Themethod also includes generating an image file of the document. The imagefile is to be printed. The method also includes displaying the imagefile on a scan privacy tool. The method also includes selecting a toolsupported by the scan privacy tool. The method also includes modifyingthe image file using the tool of the scan privacy tool. The method alsoincludes saving the modified image file. The method also includestransmitting the modified image file to an engine of the MFP device.

Another multi-functional printing (MFP) device is disclosed. The MFPdevice includes a scanning component to generate an image file of adocument. The MFP device also includes a privacy tool. The privacy toolincludes an imaging interface for the scanning component to store theimage file in a memory location. The privacy tool also includes adisplay and edit interface to receive the image file from the imaginginterface and to display the image file. The display and edit interfaceperforms an action to modify the image file. The privacy tool alsoincludes a privacy tool library to support the action to modify theimage file as received by the display and edit interface. The MFP devicealso includes an engine to receive the modified image file from thedisplay and edit interface in order to process the modified image file.

A scan privacy tool for use with a multi-functional printing device alsois disclosed. The scan privacy tool includes an imaging interface toreceive an image file of a document and to store the image file. Thescan privacy tool also includes a display and edit interface to receiveand to display the image file. The scan privacy tool also includes aprivacy tool library having at least one tool to support an action tomodify the image file. The display and edit interface uses the at leastone tool to modify the image file.

A method for modifying an image file of a document also is disclosed.The method includes displaying the image file on a display and editinterface of a scan privacy tool. The method also includes selecting atool from a scan privacy tool library of the scan privacy tool. Themethod also includes modifying the image file using the scan privacytool. The method also includes saving the modified image file. Themethod also includes transmitting the modified image file to an engineof a multi-functional printing device.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Various other features and attendant advantages of the present inventionwill be more fully appreciated when considered in conjunction with theaccompanying drawings.

FIG. 1A illustrates a block diagram of a system having devices connectedto a multi-functional printer over a network according to the disclosedembodiments.

FIG. 1B illustrates a block diagram of a multi-functional printer havinga scan privacy tool according to the disclosed embodiments.

FIG. 2A illustrates a block diagram of components of the scan privacytool with components of the multi-functional printer according to thedisclosed embodiments.

FIG. 2B illustrates another block diagram of components of the scanprivacy tool with components of the multi-functional printer accordingto the disclosed embodiments.

FIG. 3 illustrates an example of a display and edit interface accordingto the disclosed embodiments.

FIG. 4 illustrates another example of a display and edit interface usedwith a multi-functional printer according to the disclosed embodiments.

FIG. 5A illustrates a flowchart for sending a document to amulti-functional printer having a scan privacy tool according to thedisclosed embodiments.

FIG. 5B illustrates a flowchart for modifying a scanned document imageusing a scan privacy tool according to the disclosed embodiments.

FIG. 6 illustrates a flowchart for using a scan privacy tool with ascanned image file according to the disclosed embodiments.

FIG. 7 illustrates a flowchart for pattern recognition and caching usinga scan privacy tool according to the disclosed embodiments.

FIG. 8 depicts a flowchart for printing a document on multi-functionalprinter using a scan privacy tool according to the disclosedembodiments.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

Reference will now be made in detail to specific embodiments of thepresent invention. Examples of these embodiments are illustrated in theaccompanying drawings. Numerous specific details are set forth in orderto provide a thorough understanding of the present invention. While theembodiments will be described in conjunction with the drawings, it willbe understood that the following description is not intended to limitthe present invention to any one embodiment. On the contrary, thefollowing description is intended to cover alternatives, modifications,and equivalents as may be included within the spirit and scope of theappended claims. Numerous specific details are set forth in order toprovide a thorough understanding of the present invention.

Certain printing scenarios result in print jobs where documents aredesired to be politically, culturally, or religiously sensitive, free ofvulgar words, and not having confidential information. A documentwritten several years or more may fit such a scenario. Confidentialinformation such as social security numbers, intellectual propertyinformation and trade secrets, internal project codes, pricinginformation, and even contact phone numbers may be need to be removedfrom any printed documents based on the original. For example, an olderevaluation form on an employee stored on a company network may include asocial security number and a salary along with an address that shouldnot be made public. If one wants to print the form, then thisinformation should be removed or redacted.

In ideal situations, such sensitive documents are reviewed first,edited, and corrected using a document editing application before it isprinted. When such a document editing application is not available,document corrections become a challenge. A possible “solution” may be toprint the original document first and making corrections on the printedcopy using markers, highlighters, post-it notes, or erasers. Thisprocess may be problematic when a large amount of printed text is beingautomatically printed as the materials would need to go through diligentproof reading to avoid the information from being printed as it is timeconsuming and physically laborious.

Such time consuming correction processes may be avoided with acapability to review and make corrections on a print job to a MFP devicebefore it is actually put on paper. The result would be printedmaterials that can be safely distributed and used without disclosing thesensitive information. A scan privacy tool, as disclosed below, may beimplemented with existing MFP devices. This makes it possible foroffices, companies, and institutions to avoid problems with thedisclosure of insensitive, personal, or confidential information.

The ability to cache pattern-rule pairs provides the feature ofefficient updating and correction of document, especially those with alarge number of pages. The pattern-rule pairs that the scan privacy toolcan apply to subsequent pages being printed will save the user a lot oftime from doing redundant searches for sensitive information. The scanprivacy tool also may apply the effects or tools when the same pagecontent re-appears in subsequent pages or even in subsequent printing orcopying of the same document.

In some embodiments, the scan privacy tool is a scanner tool used afterscanning a page or document. It may be a post-scan tool used to makecorrections, markings, highlights, colorization, de-colorization,erasures, masks, blurs, and the like in conjunction with MFP scan, copy,and fax features. The scan privacy tool may act as an annotation toolthat is focused specifically to partially obscure or remove confidentialinformation as opposed to using notes, correction fluid, or computerprograms. Thus, one does not need a computer or office supplies formodifying or hiding information as all of these capabilities are locatedat the scanner or MFP.

The scan privacy tool is a tool that may respond to these tasks. It isnot an annotation software solution per se. The scan privacy toolprovides the capability to erase or block-out confidential keywords,numbers, phrases, codes, or pictures as well as the ability to do simpleyet needed and practical corrections on scanned pages or images.Hereinafter, use of the term “image” includes scanned pages anddocuments.

The disclosed scan privacy tool includes several features that providebenefits when using a MFP for scanning or reproduction of documents. Onefeature is an easily accessible proofreading service and tool located atthe scanner or MFP engine. The scan privacy tool also improves the useof the MFP with a document reflective mat. The scan privacy toolsoftware development kit and application program interfaces on top ofthe scanner firmware to expose the scanned image may lead to developmentof other applications and business models incorporated with the MFP.

In other embodiments, the scan privacy tool may be used in printingoperations. It may be possible to process incoming print jobs,documents, image files, and other files through the scan privacy tool asused in a system. The scan privacy tool allows for proofreading,editing, correcting, and the like of documents coming to the printerfrom other devices within the system. For example, previously generatedprint jobs (PCL5, Postscript, XPS, PCLXL, and others), or JPG/TIFF/PNGor full document such as PDF, XPS, spreadsheet, or text document can bedirectly printed and processed at a printer through the scan privacytool.

A workflow for use of the scan privacy tool within a system for printingoperations may be as follows. The user can send the print jobs to theprinter through a network supporting the system. Alternatively, theprinter can select or upload those files from a USB dongle, networkstorage, cloud storage, and the like. The raster image process (RIP)firmware will parse, interpret, and render those files like a regularprint job. Before the print jobs or documents are actually printed,saved, or transmitted, the printing/saving/transmission is suspended.The imaging interface of the scan privacy tool may receive or interceptthe “document image” and sent it to the display and edit interface. Thescan privacy tool may apply pattern-rule pairs, as disclosed below. Theuser can interact with the display and edit interface to perform andapply the tools and effects provided in the scan privacy tool librarytoolbox. Once all the changes are accepted or approved, the user selects“Done” or “Apply” to allow the display and edit interface to finalizethe updated “document image.” The document image is sent back to theimaging interface, which relays it to the engine firmware for printing,saving, or transmitting.

The following terminologies may be used as disclosed below:

A Page Description Language (PDL) is a type of programming language thatdescribes the document or pages in a print job. Examples of PDLs includePrinter Command Language (PCL) 5, PCLXL or PCL 6, and PostScript.Portable Document Format (PDF) and XML Paper Specification (XPS) alsobelong to this group. Image formats such as JPG or TIFF, which also maybe printed, may be special cases that are handled by the PDL.

A Graphics Rendering Component is an internal component in RIP firmwarethat translates the PDL commands or date into binary data that the MFPengine understands. This is similar to machine language to whichprogramming languages are translated for computing devices tounderstand. The binary data is understood by the hardware in the MFP andconverted into actual drawings or pixels on the paper.

A Software Development Kit (SDK) is a library for adding and enablingfeatures in a software or firmware package. It also is a library toallow for development of applications on top of the software or firmwarepackage.

An Application Programming Interface (API) is a set of interfacefunctions that may be programmatically accessed at the MFP engine forinteracting and cooperating with the firmware at run-time or during theuse of the display and edit interface.

A scanned document image refers to the raster or binary imagerepresentation of the scanned document that the MFP has translated fromthe document on the scanner flatbed or document processor tray.

An original source pattern is a part of the scanned document image thatthe user is interested in modifying, correcting, or editing using thescan privacy tool. The part may be like a rectangular or shaped area or,alternatively, an irregular shaped area in the document.

A modification pattern is a raster image of the modified source patternthat is created after applying the scan privacy tool.

Pattern-Rule Pairs refer to a mapping of the original source pattern andrules that would be applied to the source pattern for editing, updating,modifying, or correcting the original source image, or scanned documentimage. The source pattern can be a raster or binary image of a plaintext that can be searched in the scanned document image. The rules maybe a list of modification patterns or at least one library tool that canbe applied to the source pattern.

FIG. 1A illustrates a block diagram of a system 10 having devicesconnected to a multi-functional printer 100 over a network 12 accordingto the disclosed embodiments. System 10 may be applicable to a work,business, or home environment where one or more users send documents toa printer from devices connected thereto. System 10 shows devices 14 and16 connected to MFP 100 via network 12. Network 12 may be a local areanetwork (LAN) that uses addresses to identify the different componentswithin system 10. In other embodiments, device 14 or 16 may be connecteddirectly to MFP 100, either in a wireless or wired configuration. System100 also includes one or more servers 18. As can be appreciated, othercomponents may be connected to network 12 to send and receiveinformation within system 10.

A user may create a document using device 14. For example, the user maytype a paper using a word processor application. The user stores thedocument at device 14. The user also wishes to print the document forreview. The user sends the document, as electronic document 20, to MFP100. The user may send electronic document 20 via network 12. Eachcomponent within system 10 may have an internet protocol (IP) addressthat uniquely identifies it within system 10 so that it may receiveinformation over network 12. Thus, device 14 includes IP address 14 a,device 16 includes IP address 16 a, server 18 includes IP address 18 a,and MFP 100 includes IP address 100 a. For a print job, device 14 sendselectronic document 20 to MFP 100 using its IP address 100 a.Alternatively, components within system 100 may have a uniqueidentification number that is not an IP address. Thus, use of the term“address” in the present specification refers to a unique identifier orIP address a specific component attached to network 12.

MFP 100 prints out electronic document 20. Before printing, however,scan privacy tool 200 may intercept electronic document 20. The documentis displayed by scan privacy tool 200 so that the user may make furthercorrections, edits, and the like on the document before printing. Forexample, the user may remove confidential information from the documentso that the information is not printed. In another example, the user maycorrect a mistake noticed after sending electronic document 20 to MFP100. After the changes are made, the finalized document may be printedor stored at server 18 or back at device 14.

In other embodiments, the user may create the document on device 14 butthen save it to removable storage device 22. Removable storage device 22is taken to MFP 100 and inserted into the appropriate port. The documentis retrieved from the storage but needs corrections or edits, such as toremove confidential information. The disclosed embodiments use scanprivacy tool 200 to interrupt the printing process and display thedocument for editing, correcting, or removing information. Thus, it isnot required that electronic document 20 is sent over network 12 to MFP100. Electronic document 20 also may be retrieved from server 18, orfrom cloud storage connected to network 12. After electronic document 20is received at MFP 100, scan privacy tool 200 may intercept it foradditional processing before printing. These features are disclosed ingreater detail below.

FIG. 1B depicts a block diagram of a multi-functional printer (MFP) 100having a scan privacy tool 200 according to the disclosed embodiments.The architecture shown in FIG. 1 may apply to any multi-functionalprinter or image forming apparatus that scans documents to perform otherfunctions, such as printing, storing, copying, and the like.

MFP 100 includes a computing platform 101 that performs operations tosupport these functions. Computing platform 101 includes a computerprocessing unit (CPU) 102, an image forming unit 104, a memory unit 106,and a network communication interface 110. Other components may beincluded but are not shown for brevity. MFP 100, using computingplatform 101, may be configured to perform various operations, such asscanning, copying, printing, receiving or sending a facsimile, ordocument processing. As such, MFP 100 may be a printing device or amulti-function peripheral including a scanner, and one or more functionsof a copier, a facsimile device, and a printer. To provide thesefunctions, MFP 100 includes printer components 120 to perform printingoperations, copier components 122 to perform copying operations, scannercomponents 124 to perform scanning operations, and facsimile components126 to receive and send facsimile documents. CPU 102 may issueinstructions to these components to perform the desired operations.

MFP 100 also includes a finisher 111 and one or more paper cassettes112. Finisher 111 includes rotatable downstream rollers to move paperswith an image formed surface after the desired operation to a tray.Finisher 111 also may perform additional actions, such as sorting thefinished papers, binding sheets of papers with staples, doubling,creasing, punching holes, folding, and the like. Paper cassettes 112supply paper to image the various components 120, 122, 124, and 126 tocreate the image formed surfaces on the papers. Paper cassettes 112 mayinclude papers having various sizes, colors, composition, and the like.Paper cassettes 112 may be removed to refill as needed.

Document processor input feeder tray 130 may be the physical componentsof MFP 100 to receive papers and documents to be processed. A documentis placed on or in document processor input feeder tray 130, which movesthe document to other components within MFP 100. The movement of thedocument from document processor input feeder tray 130 may be controlledby the instructions input by the user. For example, the document maymove to a scanner flatbed 210, as disclosed below, for scanningoperations. Thus, document processor input feeder tray 130 provides thedocument to scanner components 120. As shown in FIG. 1, documentprocessor input feeder tray 130 may interact with engine firmware 150 toperform the desired operations.

Memory unit 106 includes memory storage locations 114 to storeinstructions 115. Instructions 115 are executable on CPU 102 or otherprocessors associated with MFP 100, such as any processors withincomponents 120, 122, 124, or 126. Memory unit 106 also may storeinformation for various programs and applications, as well as dataspecific to MFP 100. For example, a storage location 114 may includedata for running an operating system executed by computing platform 101to support the components within MFP 100.

Memory unit 106 may comprise volatile and non-volatile memory. Volatilememory may include random access memory (RAM). Examples of non-volatilememory may include read-only memory (ROM), flash memory, electricallyerasable programmable read-only memory (EEPROM), digital tape, a harddisk drive (HDD), or a solid-state drive (SSD). Memory unit 106 alsoincludes any combination of readable or writable volatile memories ornon-volatile memories, along with other possible memory devices.

Computing platform 101 may host one or more processors, such as CPU 102.These processors are capable of executing instructions 115 stored at oneor more storage locations 114. By executing these instructions, theprocessors cause MFP 100 to perform various operations. The processorsalso may incorporate processing units for specific purposes, such asapplication-specific integrated circuits (ASICs) and field programmablegate arrays (FPGAs). Other processors may be included for executingoperations particular to components 120, 122, 124, and 126. In otherwords, the particular processors cause MFP 100 to act as a printer,copier, scanner, and a facsimile device. One processor may be a rasterimage processor for use with printing components 120.

MFP 100 also includes an operations panel 108, which may be connected tocomputing platform 101. Operations panel 108 may include a display unit116 and an input unit 117 for facilitating interaction with a user toprovide commands to MFP 100. Display unit 116 may be any electronicvideo display, such as a liquid crystal display (LCD). Input unit 117may include any combination of devices that allow users to inputinformation into operations panel 108, such as buttons, a touch screen,a keyboard or keypad, switches, dials, and the like. Preferably, inputunit 117 includes a touch-screen digitizer overlaid onto display unit116 that senses touch to receive inputs from the user. By this manner,the user interacts with display unit 116. Scan privacy tool 200 also isconnected to operations panel 108, as disclosed in greater below.

MFP 100 also includes network communication processing unit 118. Networkcommunication processing unit 118 may establish a network communication,such as a wireless or wired connection with one or more other imageforming apparatuses and a server in an image forming system. CPU 102 mayinstruct network communication processing unit 118 to transmit orretrieve information over a network using network communicationinterface 110. As data is received at computing platform 101 over anetwork, network communication processing unit 118 decodes the incomingpackets and delivers them to CPU 102. CPU 102 may act accordingly bycausing operations to occur on MFP 100. CPU 102 also may retrieveinformation stored in memory unit 106, such as settings for MFP 100.

MFP 100 also includes engine firmware 150. Engine firmware 150 may be acombination of hardware and software components that act accordingly toaccomplish a task. For example, engine firmware 150 is comprised ofcomponents and software to print a document. It may receive instructionsfrom computing platform 101 after user input via operations panel 108.Alternatively, engine firmware 150 may receive instructions fromoperations panel 108 via scan privacy tool 200.

Engine firmware 150 manages and operates the low-level mechanism of theMFP engine, such as hardware components that actuate placement of toneronto paper. Engine firmware 150 may manage and coordinate thehalf-toner, toner cartridges, rollers, schedulers, storage, input/outputoperations, and the like. The raster image processor (RIP) firmware thatinterprets the page description languages (PDLs) would transmit and sendinstructions down to printer components 120 may be included in enginefirmware 150 for actual rendering of an image and application of thetoner onto paper during operations on MFP 100. Embodiments of enginefirmware 150 also are disclosed in a greater detail below.

FIG. 2A and FIG. 2B depict block diagrams of components of scan privacytool 200 integrated inside MFP 100 according to the disclosedembodiments. FIG. 2A shows scan privacy tool 200 operably connected tovarious components of MFP 100. Scan privacy tool 200 may be integratedinto MFP 100, or may be a separate hardware component connected to MFP100. Alternatively, scan privacy tool 200 may be a mobile device that isconnected to MFP 100, either via a wire or other physical connection orwirelessly to network communication interface 110. These embodiments aredisclosed in greater detail below.

Scan privacy tool 200 may include three components. Imaging interface202 provides a scanned document image 212 for displaying on display andedit interface 204. Display and edit interface 204 may act as aninteractive interface for performing proofreading tasks on the scanneddocument image 212. Scan privacy tool library 206 enables thefunctionalities, capabilities, and imaging routines for making thecorrection, cleaning, and other proofreading tasks on scanned documentimage 212. Once all edits are made, the updated, modified, or correcteddocument image 212 is sent to the applicable components by enginefirmware 150 for actual saving, copying, printing, faxing, or otheractions. Printer components 120 are shown for illustrative purposes inany examples provided below. Engine firmware 150 receives the reviseddocument image from scan privacy tool 200 to accomplish any tasks.

Imaging interface 202 may be an update to current scanner firmware (aspart of engine firmware 150), which is the component that scans thephysical page from scanner flatbed 210 as part of scanner components124. Alternatively, scanned document image 212 may be captured usingdocument processor feeder. A scanner firmware update will add supportfor interfacing with the other components, such as scan privacy toollibrary 206 and display and edit interface 204 of scan privacy tool 200.

In some embodiments, imaging interface 202 is a module or component thatintercepts a scanned document or document image from the current scannerpipeline. The scanner firmware that manages scanner components 124 mayinclude code or a component to interact with imaging interface 202.Normally, the scanner firmware would scan the document or page fromscanner flatbed 210, apply the selected effects from operations panel108, and send document image file 212 to engine firmware 150 forprinting, saving, transmission, and the like. Using scan privacy tool200, imaging interface 202 receives document image file 212 to edit ormodify using display and edit interface 204, as disclosed below.

Image interface 202 keeps the editable, rasterized image file in amemory or storage, either within scan privacy tool 200 or externalstorage 208. As disclosed below, “storage 208” may refer to internal orexternal memory storage for scan privacy tool 200. Image interface 202may share the image file with display and edit interface 204 forpresenting it to a user for performing the edits. Once all the editingis completed, imaging interface 202 gets back the updated, corrected, ormodified image for saving, copying, printing, transmitting, and thelike. In other words, after the user finalizes the “corrected documentimage,” this new image file is sent back to imaging interface 202.Imaging interface 202 may send the new image file to engine firmware 150for further operations within MFP 100.

Scan privacy tool library 206 allows for the image processing of scanneddocument image 212 through programming interfaces to imaging interface202. This component of scan privacy tool 200 includes softwaredevelopment kit (SDK) 2062 and application programming interface (API)2064 that provide functions to support capabilities within scan privacytool library 206. Scan privacy tool library 206 provides the interfacefunctions to allow querying for location, color, and other similar pagecontent properties for use in the manipulation, correction, and otherproofreading effects. It gets reference to document image file 212. Scanprivacy tool library 206 also supports interface functions to edit anyitems or objects in the scanned pages of scanned document image 212.Tools include those to allow for erasure, masking, overwriting,blurring, highlighting, and the like of the selected page items orobjects. Other tools include those to add pre-defined patterns such ashatch patterns, colors, objects, and the like on top of or over pageitems or objects.

Scan privacy tool library 206 includes tools to provide the capabilitiesto a user of MFP 100 for editing scanned document image 212. The toolsmay be stored as software components within scan privacy tool library206 and executed when selected via API 2064 or from display and editinterface 204. The tools may include:

-   -   Erase—remove the pattern or object;    -   Blur-out—pixelate or cause the pattern to be blurred,        unreadable, or unrecognizable;    -   Black-out—overlay a rectangular black box around the pattern or        object;    -   Mask-out—overlay a pre-defined pattern, such as a hatch pattern,        on top of the pattern or object;    -   Highlight—overlay a transparent color on top of the pattern or        object;    -   Encircle—enclose the pattern or object with a circle or        elliptical shape;    -   Rectangular—enclose the pattern or object in a rectangular        shape;    -   Check—overlay the pattern or object with a check-mark;    -   Cross-out—overlay the pattern or object with a cross-mark or a        big X character;    -   Colorize—change the color of the pattern or object to a        user-selected color;    -   De-colorize—remove color and leave behind the outline of the        pattern or object;    -   Blend—blend a selected pattern or image on top of pattern or        object; and    -   Hide—overlay an opaque pattern, hatch pattern, or image on top        of a pattern or object.

The above list may be subject to additional capabilities by tools withinscan privacy tool library 206.

Display and edit interface 204 is a component in scan privacy tool 200that allows for the editing, correcting, and proofreading of scanneddocument image 212 to actually occur. It acts as the user interface tointeract with scanner components 124 to perform the scan privacy tooltasks. Display and edit interface 204 may include a display interfacethat is a digitized display, such as a touch-screen display, apen-enabled display, or a stylus-enabled display. Display and editinterface 204 also captures user actions and input. Display and editinterface 204 also may include non-interactive display devices thatsupport this component through the use of motion sensors or controlbuttons. A user will be able to access display and edit interface 204 touse a finger, digitized pen or stylus, or gestures when using motionsensors to apply the library tools disclosed above supported by scanprivacy tool library 206.

In some embodiments, display and edit interface 204 is kind of a“client” of scan privacy tool library 206. Display and edit interface204 makes use of API 2064 (or APIs) exposed by the scanner firmware toapply the effects to document image file 212. SDK 2062 is provided sothat other applications can be developed to take advantage of the toolsavailable in scan privacy tool library 206 to perform effects on thedocument image. For example, plug-ins may be developed, installed, andaccess through the printer panel for the manipulation of the documentimage.

As shown in FIG. 2A, scan privacy tool 200 may interact with othercomponents of MFP 100 as well as external devices. Instructions fromoperations panel 108 may be received to invoke the scan privacyfunctions support by tool 200. Operations panel 108 also may supportdisplay and edit interface 204, as disclosed below. Scanned documentimage 212 is received as an electronic document from scanner flatbed210, which is a piece of hardware within MFP 100. Scan privacy tool 200provides any finished document to engine firmware 150 for additionalactions, such as printing, copying, storing, and the like. A detachablestorage 208 also may support scan privacy tool 200, as disclosed below.In some embodiments, storage 208 may be within an external device thatsupports scan privacy tool 200.

FIG. 2B depicts another block diagram of components of scan privacy tool200 with components of the MFP 100 according to the disclosedembodiments. FIG. 2A discloses that engine firmware 150 may encompasssoftware functionalities like print job parsing and interpretation,graphics rendering, and document image creation. Thus, raster imageprocessing (RIP) firmware and scan firmware may be included or part ofengine firmware 150, as shown in FIG. 2A.

FIG. 2B, however, depicts a different architecture for MFP 100 and scanprivacy tool 200. In this configuration, MFP 100 includes a controller250 that includes RIP firmware 252 and scanner firmware 258. Enginefirmware 150 is below controller 250 in MFP 100. Preferably, controller250 is a main controller board that contains RIP firmware 252 andscanner firmware 258. These components are disclosed in greater detailbelow.

RIP firmware 252 includes PDL interpreter 254 and graphics renderingcomponent 256. PDL interpreter 254 is the parser and translator of PDLcommands, such as PCL5, PCLXL, XPS, PDF, PostScript, and the like, tographics orders that graphics rendering component 256 can understand.The graphics orders are lower-level commands, similar to assemblyprogramming language or computing device machine language. Graphicsrendering component 256 executes the graphic orders and translates themto shapes, colors, figures, lines, and other markings to construct thelogical representation of the pages of the document, shown as documentimage 212 above.

Scanner firmware 258 includes image capturing component 260. Imagecapturing component 260 allows for the capture of document image 212from the physical pages of the document and translates them directly toa logical representation of the page or pages. This representation maybe like a photograph softcopy of the physical page, or pages, of thedocument. Referring back to FIG. 2A, scanner flatbed 210 may be used. Aprint job within system 10 may be sent from device 14 or 16 and may notneed scanner firmware 258 as the document is already in electronic form,as one from a word processing application.

Scan privacy tool 200 operates as disclosed above. As shown in FIG. 2B,imaging interface 202 interacts with RIP firmware 252 and scannerfirmware 258 as well as lower controller. In this configuration,however, imaging interface 202 downloads the updated document image 212to lower controller pipeline 262 for further processing such ashalftoning and color conversion. Lower controller pipeline interactswith the rest of the hardware components for marking the physical paper.

Engine firmware 150 should not change under this configuration. Enginefirmware 150 still manages and operates the low-level mechanisms of MFP100, such as hardware components like drums, rollers, toner cartridges,storage, and input/output operations. Engine firmware 150 may controland manage signaling of these hardware components, including temperaturecontrol, speed, and other electrical signals.

In MFP 100 shown in FIG. 2B, scan privacy tool 200 is a shared componentin that RIP firmware 252 and scanner firmware 258 interact with the toolto handle intercepted or suspended print jobs within system 10. Documentimage 212 will be suspended or intercepted by imaging interface 202,which knows where to retrieve the source document image and candetermine where to save the updated or corrected document image 212. RIPfirmware 252 and scanner firmware 258 notifies imaging interface 202 ofthe availability of document image 212.

When scan privacy tool 200 is turned “ON,” then document image 212 isintercepted for review or edit before it is printed, saved, ortransmitted. If scan privacy tool 200 is turned “OFF” for print or scanjobs, RIP firmware 252 will operate as usual. Document image 212 is sentdirectly to engine firmware 150. RIP firmware 252 outputs to lowercontroller pipeline 262 and does not interact with scan privacy tool200.

FIG. 3 depicts an example of a display and edit interface 204 accordingto the disclosed embodiments. Display and edit interface 204 may beintegrated into the scanner system of MFP 100, such as on operationspanel 108 or on the document reflective mat, as disclosed below. It alsomay be supported by a connected device, such as a laptop, tablet,smartphone, or computer. A user interacts with display and edit userinterface 204 to make corrections or edits on scanned document image212, displayed within the interface. The term “scanned document image”refers to an electronic version of a document created on device 14 or16. The document may be sent over network 12 to MFP 100 for printing.MFP 100 converts the document into an electronic version of the documentsuitable for printing, such as using a RIP to render the information onthe document compatible with engine firmware 150. Thus, although theterm may represent documents that are scanned, it also representsdocuments received at MFP 100 or retrieved by MFP 100 for printing,copying, saving, and the like.

Display and edit interface 204 includes display and edit toolbox 302.Toolbox 302 includes buttons corresponding to the tools available withinscan privacy tool library 206.

The user may select what actions to use for applying the corrections oredits on scanned document image 212. The selection of one of the buttonswithin toolbox 302 invokes the functionality associated with theappropriate tool. The user then applies the tool to the text or graphicswithin scanned document image 212. Toolbox 302 must be present for alltypes of implementation or form factors of display and edit interface204. As shown in FIG. 3, some embodiments include toolbox 302 withscanned document image 212.

In one example, the user wishes to erase one or more items withinscanned document image 212. Toolbox 302 includes an erase button ondisplay and edit interface 204. The user may select the erase buttonwithin toolbox 302 and use the interactive interface, which can be atouch screen display, to select the word, text, graphic, and the like toerase. The user may use a finger, a stylus, or a digital pen to identifythe items to erase. In this example, the user applies pressure to thetouch screen to indicate the items.

Further to the example, scanned document image may include privateinformation 306, 308, 310, and 312. Private information in this exampleis text, or, more specifically, numbers. Private information 306 mayinclude a password, while private information 308, 310 and 312 includelocations and project information. The user may not wish suchinformation to be reproduced or stored in an electronic format. Otherinformation may be deemed private within scanned document image 212,such as names, address, date, and the like.

The user indicates private information 306-312 for erasure on displayand edit interface 204. Referring to FIG. 3, the pixels of scanneddocument image 212 corresponding to the locations shown for the privateinformation would be changed to reflect the erased text using the erasetool within scan privacy tool library. Alternatively, other actions maybe taken using display and edit interface 204, such as blurring theprivate information or scribbling over it by selecting the appropriatebutton within toolbox 302.

Once the document has been changed or edited, pattern rule box 304 maybe used to indicate whether the changes are to be applied to subsequentpages or documents. A pattern-rule pair indicated using pattern rule box304 may be saved to apply similar patterns in the page or for the restof the pages in scanned document image 212. As shown, pattern rule box304 includes check boxes for applying the changes or edits for similarpatterns on this page only, all pages, or always.

Referring to the above example, use of pattern rule box 304 may resultin identifying private information 310 that has the same numbers asprivate information 308. Display and edit interface 204 would identifythe similar private information and erase it. This may save time andreduce proofreading errors in large documents. This process is disclosedin greater detail below. In another example, the user checks the“Always” box in pattern rule box 304 to save and apply the pattern-rulepair to future scanned jobs. By default, the pair will be checked andselected in the user interface, unless the user un-selects the checkbox.Thus, the user can identify the password of private information 306 toalways be erased in documents processed by MFP 100. This functionalleviates the need to stop and erase the information on every page orin every document.

Display and edit interface 204 may be invoked using a button thatlaunches scan privacy tool 200. In some embodiments, the feature will bea selectable option on operations panel 108 of MFP 100, such as copy,send, fax, store, and the like. To update, modify, or make correctionson scanned document image 212 shown by display and edit interface 204,the user may interact with an interactive front panel of operationspanel 108.

Alternatively, scan privacy tool 200 may be an application executing ina mobile or external device connected to MFP 100. Touch-screen devices,such as tablets, computers, laptops, smartphones, and the like areconnected to MFP 100, either using a wired or wireless connection. Thedevice stores and executes the application that supports display andedit interface 204. With regard to a wireless connection, MFP 100 mayuse network communication interface 110 to exchange data using a knownprotocol and platform, such as Bluetooth™, WiFi, cellular, and the like.For the wired connection, the device hosting the application for scanprivacy tool 200 may connect to MFP 100 using a USB connection and thelike.

In some embodiments, the document will be scanned to generate scanneddocument image 212 in MFP 100. Scanned document image 212 will beviewable and editable in display and edit interface 204 displayed on theexternal device. The user may make edits, modification, or changes asdisclosed above. For example, the user may select the erase button intoolbox 302 to erase private information within scanned document image212. The user then selects the save button within toolbox 302 to finishedits in the document. The saved electronic document is transmitted toMFP 100 for further processing, such as printing, copying, storing, andthe like.

FIG. 4 depicts another example of a display and edit interface 204 usedwith a MFP 100 according to the disclosed embodiments. Thisconfiguration of scan privacy tool 200 includes display and editinterface 204 being located on document reflective mat 401. Documentreflective mat 401 may work with scanner cover 404 to press document 402onto scanner flatbed 210. In some embodiments, document reflective mat401 comprises a touch-screen display.

Because display and edit interface 204 is on the scanner cover ordocument reflective mat 401, it may not be applicable in all use cases,such as when document feeder tray 130 is used to receive document 402.Scanner cover 404 needs to be raised and opened to gain access todisplay and edit interface 204. This may not be practical when usingdocument processor input feeder tray 130.

Solutions to using display and edit interface 204 on document reflectivemat 401 include enabling the interface only when scanning is done usingscanner flatbed 210. If document processor input feeder tray 130 isused, then scan privacy tool 200 is disabled or unavailable.Alternatively, the user may use scan privacy tool 200 in operationspanel 108 such that display and edit interface 204 is displayed there aswell.

Another solution may be to scan all document sheets from documentprocessor input feeder tray 130. This process then saves all the scanneddocument images to storage 208. Storage 208, as shown in FIG. 2, may beattached or connected to MFP 100 and scan privacy tool 200. Storage 208makes the saved document images available to display and edit interface204 after all pages or documents are scanned. Preferably, storage 208 isexternal to MFP 100, such as a USB flash drive, so as to not hinder theprinter engine, or engine firmware 150, from processing regular jobs.Further, this capability depends on sufficient free space in the memoryof storage 208. Edits, modifications, and changes may be made from thefirst saved document image until the last page.

One also may consider other configurations for display and editinterface 204, such as a tablet or mobile device with a touch screendisplay. As disclosed above, an application is executed on the externaldevice. The device includes an integrated scan privacy tool 200 alongwith SDK 2062 and API 2061 to receive scanned document image 212 fromMFP 100. The user edits, modifies, and changes private informationwithin the document image using display and edit interface 204 supportedby the applicable touch-screen or display device. The modified documentimages are sent back to MFP 100 for subsequent operations, such ascopying, printing, faxing, and the like.

In other embodiments, motion sensors, a mouse, or control buttons may beinstalled around display unit 116 of operations panel 108 that is not atouch-screen. These components support gestures and the tracking ofindicators, such as a finger, hand, pointer, pen, and the like, tomanipulate the document images or objects shown on display unit 116.Display and edit interface 204 also may include a virtual reality oraugmented reality interface through a smart phone or similar devices.Display and edit interface 204 may be viewable in virtual reality oraugmented reality. Gestures and hand motions may edit the documentimages. Alternatively, controls within the virtual reality environmentthrough the applicable gear device may be used.

FIG. 5A depicts a flowchart 50 for sending a document to a MFP 100having a scan privacy tool 200 according to the disclosed embodiments.The disclosure for flowchart 50 may include reference to componentsrecited above with regards to FIGS. 1-4 for illustrative purposes. Theembodiments disclosed by FIG. 5A, however, are not limited to thecomponents shown in those figures.

Step 52 executes by creating document 402 at device 14 or 16. Forsimplicity, only device 14 is disclosed below, but any device connectedto network 12 may create a document. In some embodiments, the documentmay be scanned or an image captured by device 14. Further, document 402may be in electronic form, as opposed to a physical document, as shownby document 20 in FIG. 1A.

Step 54 executes by selecting MFP 100 to print document 402. One mayselect MFP 100 to perform other operations as well, such as save, copy,further transmit by facsimile, and the like. Step 56 executes by sendingor uploading document 402 to MFP 100. As disclosed above, device 14sends document 20 to MFP 100. The document also may be provided with adevice, such as a flash drive or mobile device, attached to MFP 100.Step 56 also may include instructing MFP 100 to retrieve a document fromserver 18 or other memory location on network 12. MFP 100 only needs toreceive the document to process.

Step 58 executes by receiving document 402 or 20 at engine firmware 150.Preferably, MFP 100 instructs engine firmware 150 to print the document.Step 60 executes by using engine firmware 150, acting as RIP firmware,to parse, interpret, or render the received document into document image212, which is suitable for printing. Before the print job occurs,however, step 62 executes by suspending the print job within MFP 100.

Step 64 executes by sending document image 212 to imaging interface 202of scan privacy tool 200. After the print job is suspended, documentimage 212 is provided to scan privacy tool 200. It goes first to imaginginterface 202. This process is disclosed in greater detail below. Step66 executes by editing document image 212 using scan privacy tool 200.Specifically, one may use display and edit interface 204 to editinformation within document image 212. For example, scan privacy tool200 may apply pattern-rule pairs to the document. The user may interactwith display and edit interface 204 to perform and apply the tools andeffects provided in the toolbox for scan privacy tool library 206.Again, these processes are disclosed in greater detail below.Preferably, document image 212 is displayed by scan privacy tool 200 forthe user to edit using a finger or stylus.

Step 68 executes by finalizing the updated document image. The user maypress a button or graphic to indicate the edits are complete. Displayand edit interface 204 saves the final version of document image 212.Step 70 executes by sending the finalized document image to imaginginterface 202. Step 72 executes by relaying the revised document imageback to engine firmware 150 for printing operations. Thus, the documentimage may be revised, such as removing confidential information, priorto printing on MFP 100. One may intercept the document prior to printingwithout having to make changes on the document at device 14. In someembodiments, the user may change the document at MFP 100 without havingto use a word processor or other editor, or having to return to device14. Time may be saved as well as efficiency increased in printingoperations.

FIG. 5B depicts a flowchart 500 for modifying a scanned document image212 using scan privacy tool 200 according to the disclosed embodiments.The disclosure for flowchart 500 may include reference to componentsrecited above with regards to FIGS. 1-4 for illustrative purposes. Theembodiments disclosed by FIG. 5B, however, are not limited to thecomponents shown in those figures.

Step 502 executes by receiving document 402 at MFP 100. In someembodiments, document 402 is sent to MFP 100 from another device thatcreated the document. This may be seen in FIG. 1A above. Document 402also may be retrieved from a memory, such as from server 18 in system 10or storage 208 coupled to MFP 100. In other embodiments, document 402 isplaced into document feeder tray 130. Further, document 402 may be morethan one page and may contain text and graphics.

Step 504 executes by generating a scanned image file 212 from document402. Preferably, document 402 is scanned by MFP 100 prior to performingfurther operations, such as printing, copying, or saving an image fileof the document. Scanner flatbed 210 scans document 402. Alternatively,scanned image file 212 may be scanned or generated in another device andsent to MFP 100. Scanned image file 212 may be generated within MFP 100for privacy tool applications. Scanned image file 212 is an electronicdocument as opposed to document 402, which may be a physical or hardcopy.

Step 506 executes by receiving scanned image file 212 by imaginginterface 202 of scan privacy tool 200. Scan privacy tool 200 is aseparate component used with or connected to MFP 100. The variousphysical configurations of scan privacy tool 200 are disclosed above.Preferably, scan privacy tool 200 is hosted on MFP 100 and invoked bypressing a button on operations panel 108. Scan privacy tool 200,however, may be supported by an external device connected to MFP 100.Thus, MFP 100 may send scanned image file 212 to the external device.Alternatively, scanned image file 212 may be initially stored and thenprovided to scan privacy tool 200 when it is connected to MFP 100.

Step 508 executes by displaying scanned image file 212 on display andedit interface 204 of scan privacy tool 100. Step 510 executes byselecting a tool from toolbox 302 within display and edit interface 204.The tool relates to an action to take with regards to scanned image file212 and is supported by scan privacy tool library 206.

Step 512 executes by searching for a pattern and at least onemodification rule pairs in scan privacy tool library 206. This step maybe optional if previous operations have stored patterns and rule pairsusing scan privacy tool 200. As disclosed above, modifications onprevious documents may be stored and used later by comparing text orgraphics in scanned image file 212 to the stored patterns or rule pairs.Using the example above, a password may be searched in subsequentdocuments and identified as being erased or blurred. This step searchesscan privacy tool library 206 for such rules.

Step 514 executes by modifying scanned image file 212 using the scanprivacy tool. Step 510 may proceed directly to step 514 if no search isdone on patterns or rule pairs within the scanned image file. Asdisclosed above, the modifications, edits and changes may be performedby touching the screen of display and edit interface 204 to indicatedtext or graphics using the tool. Step 516 executes by saving themodified scanned image file 212. In some embodiments, the modifiedscanned image file may be stored on an external device or storage 208.In other embodiments, the modified scanned image file is stored in amemory, such as memory 106, of MFP 100.

Step 518 executes by transmitting modified scanned image file 212 toengine firmware 150 of MFP 100. Step 520 executes by performingoperations with the modified image file using MFP 100. These stepscorrespond to the further actions taken using the modified image filethat hides, erases, or modifies the private information in document 402.MFP 100 may print copies of document 402 with the private informationerased.

FIG. 6 depicts a flowchart 600 for using scan privacy tool 200 withscanned image file 212 according to the disclosed embodiments. Flowchart600 discloses steps similar to flowchart 500 but focuses more on theactions within scan privacy tool 200.

Step 602 executes by enabling scan privacy tool 200. This step may beperformed by the user pressing a button on operations panel 108 or otherinterface, such as within an application, to enable or disable the scanprivacy tool feature. The enablement using the button sends a command toMFP 100 to invoke scan privacy tool 200 at the appropriate point withinoperations to print, copy, scan, fax, and the like. The user also maydisable scan privacy tool 200 in this step by pressing a correspondingbutton.

Step 604 executes by receiving or retrieving document 402. The user maysend the document to MFP 100 for a print job. The user may send it froma device connected to MFP 100 over a network. Alternatively, the usermay attach a storage device to MFP 100.

Further, the user may instruct MFP 100 to retrieve document 402 from aserver or other storage on the network. The user may press “start” oranother such button on operations panel 108 to commence printing. Step606 executes by generating image file 212 from document 402. Image file212 also may be referred to as a “scanned image file” as many jobs onMFP 100 include initially scanning document 402 to then print, copy,save, and the like. If the user does not enable scan privacy tool 200,then document 402 will be directly saved, copied, printed, transmitted,and the like. This will complete flowchart 600. If scan privacy tool 200is enabled, then the following steps are executed.

Step 608 executes by receiving scanned image file 212 at imaginginterface 202 of scan privacy tool 200. Imaging interface 202 may modifythe electronic file to be compatible with the other components withinscan privacy tool 200. It also may check to see if scanned image file212 can be supported by scan privacy tool 200. Step 610 executes bysending scanned image file 212 to display and edit interface 204. Step612 executes by displaying scanned image file 212 within display andedit interface 204 on a touch-screen display either at MFP 100 or withinan external connected device.

Step 614 executes by selecting a tool to perform an action using scanprivacy tool 200. The “tool” is displayed as a button in toolbox 302 andrelates to a function supported by scan privacy tool library 206. Thefunction allows the user to complete an action to modify scanned imagefile 212. Step 616 executes by selecting a word or graphic to modifywithin scanned image file 212. The user can select word using a finger,stylus, digital pen, and the like to identify private information withinthe scanned image of the document. The user also may select figures,logos, numbers, and the like.

Step 618 executes by applying the tool to modify the selected word orgraphic. In some embodiments, scan privacy tool library 206 includes API2064 that detects the background of the selected private information anduses it to erase or modify any foreground color that the user hastouched or identified. For example, a word may be erased by detectingthe page of the scanned document image and erasing the text color. Theuser also may select other tools to use for modifying privateinformation within scanned document image 212. The user also may setpattern rule pairs using pattern rule box 304.

Once the user is done with the modifications, step 620 executes byapplying the modifications to scanned document image 212. This may bedone by pressing or clicking a “Done” or “Apply” button in display andedit interface 204. Step 622 executes by saving the modified image fileand proceeding to the rest of the regular workflow within MFP 100. Themodified scanned document image provided by scan privacy tool 200 willbe saved, copied, printed, faxed, transmitted, and the like. Further,scan privacy tool 200 may save the modified image file to an externalstorage for later use.

FIG. 7 depicts a flowchart 700 for pattern recognition and caching usingscan privacy tool 200 according to the disclosed embodiments. As piecesof confidential and private information are selected and replaced, theoriginal source pattern and the modification pattern may be saved sothat a re-occurrence of the source pattern in the same page or in thesame document, or subsequent pages and documents, may be replaced withthe modification pattern that the user created using the library tools.The original source pattern may be scanned image file 212 provided fromscanner flatbed 210 and displayed on display and edit interface 204. Themodification pattern is the modified scanned document image that hasprivate information 306-312, for example, changed from the originalsource pattern. The original source pattern and modification pattern maybe known as pattern pair.

Step 702 executes by generating the modified image file based on scannedimage file 212. This step generates the original source pattern andmodification pattern images used in flowchart 700. The original sourcepattern and modification pattern also include a rule based on apreference setting or policy.

Step 704 executes by selecting the rule or preference setting to be usedwith the pattern pair. The preference setting may be selected frompattern rule box 304, as shown in FIG. 3. The preference settings mayinclude an “all pages” box. This setting is a global search and replacerule that applies to all pages in the current scanned job. If checked,then the source pattern will be recognized and search from the currentpage location forward and replaced with the modifications made by theuser on scanned image file 212. This setting may not be saved or may notbe permanent for future scanned jobs.

Pattern rule box 304 also includes a “this page only” box. This settingis a local search and replace setting for the current page. The sourcepattern will be modified only on the current page of scanned image file212. A source pattern and a modification pattern may not be saved norcached using this setting.

The “always” box allows the user to create pattern-rule pairs using theoriginal source pattern and the modification pattern. This setting is apermanent search and replace for all subsequent jobs using scan privacytool 200. The source pattern is modified for all pages in the currentscanned job with a modification pattern generated as well. The pair ofdata for the patterns will be saved and available for use in futureoperations using MFP 100 and scan privacy tool 200.

Step 706 executes by saving the image files including any pattern-rulepairs. As there may be a lot of pages to be scanned, storage in thememory on MFP 100 may not be practical, especially if other jobs toprint, copy, fax and the like may arrive and need to be processed. WhenMFP 100 is not busy, a local hard drive or memory, such as memory 114,may be used. If no memory is available on MFP 100, then the scanneddocument images, original source pattern images, and modificationpattern images may be saved and cached in external storage, such asstorage 208. Alternatively, the images may be saved to an externalhard-drive, network storage, a database, cloud storage, and the like.

When the source pattern images and modification pattern images arestored in storage 208 and the like, the user will be able to re-usethese images and the patterns for future scanning of the same document.The images and patterns also may be used on other documents that mayhave the same or similar private, or confidential, information withinthe text or graphics. Step 708 executes by securing this data within adatabase within the storage with a password and encryption. Thus, onlyauthorized users may be able to access the original source documents andimages that include the private information. The database includes pairsof source patterns and modification patterns and may be encrypted usinga high-encryption algorithm.

Step 710 executes by enabling scan privacy tool 200 for a job on MFP100. After the user presses “start” or a similar command, scanneddocument image 212 is not immediately printed or processed. Instead, itis made available to the user via scan privacy tool 200 to makecorrections, edits, modifications, and the like. Scan privacy tool 200also may retrieve the pattern-rule pairs from the database.

Step 712 executes by applying the pattern-rule pairs to scanned documentimage 212 by scan privacy tool library 206. The user may select withpattern-rule pairs to apply. Those having the preference setting of“always” will be automatically applied to scanned document image 212.Step 714 executes by searching previously selected source patterns usingimage processing. Scan privacy tool library 206 performs scaling,shrinking, skewing, color adjustment, color conversions, and the like inorder to search image patterns in scanned document image 212.

Step 716 executes by applying the modification pattern if the sourcepattern is identified in step 714 in scanned document image 212. Scanprivacy tool library 206 finds private information within scanneddocument image 212 that corresponds to a source pattern saved in storage208. Scan privacy tool 200 then may apply the modification patternpreviously created for the source pattern in an earlier job.

Step 718 executes by accepting or rejecting the updates to scanneddocument image 212 that are applied using the modification pattern byscan privacy tool 200 based on the previously selected pattern-rulepairs. Those page objects that were auto-corrected or auto-updated willappear in edit and display interface 204 as editable objects withinscanned document image 212. The user may drag away, or reject, theoverlaid auto-correction or auto-update effects so that they will not beapplied for that object. In some embodiments, the user can reject themodification to the scanned document image going forward in the process.The pattern-rule pair may be disabled throughout the document image.

Step 720 executes by searching for additional patterns within scanneddocument image 212. In some embodiments, optical character recognition(OCR) technology may be used to search textual patterns, as opposed toimage patterns, that are specified from the user interface or othertools provided to the user. In other words, the user also may inputpatterns for which to search in scanned document image 212.

Step 722 executes by selecting a tool from toolbox 302 to modify scanneddocument image 212. If the user finds other page objects or contents asprivate information, then a selected tool applies the rules specified inpattern rule box 304 to the changes. In other words, the user may gothrough the processes disclosed above in FIGS. 5 and 6. The searchfeature of step 720 also may be used to identify private information inthe objects and this step to make the desired edits to scanned documentimage 212.

Step 724 executes by saving the modified scanned document image. Any newsource pattern and modification pattern pairs will be saved along withrules applied during changes using the selected tool. Thus, newlycreated pattern-rule pairs are saved. Through the use of the OCRtechnology, text patterns are extracted for use in future searches andto complement image pattern searching. Step 726 executes by transmittingthe modified image document to engine firmware 150 of MFP 100 forcompleting the job.

FIG. 8 depicts a flowchart 800 for printing a document on MFP 100 usingscan privacy tool 200 according to the disclosed embodiments. Flowchart800 may be implemented in addition to the processes disclosed above. Theoperations disclosed by flowchart 800 will be described in conjunctionwith the MFP 100 and scan privacy tool 200 architecture shown in FIG.2B. This architecture may use controller 250 as well as engine firmware150. In summary, the process disclosed by FIG. 8 includes sending printjobs to MFP 100, processing the print jobs by RIP firmware 252, checkingto see if scan privacy tool 200 is turned on or off, and following theworkflow disclosed above for scan privacy tool 200.

Step 802 executes by sending a print job to MFP 100 from an applicationvia a printer driver on a device. For example, device 14 may include aprinter driver that executes thereon to send print jobs to MFP 100. Theuser selects the document to be printed using the application.Alternatively, the user can upload or select a document from a portabledevice, network storage, cloud storage, mobile device, and the like tobe the print job.

Step 804 executes by receiving the print job at RIP firmware 252 withincontroller 250. RIP firmware 252 may receive the print job as a streamof data from over network 12. Step 806 executes by parsing andinterpreting the incoming print job by PDL interpreter 254. Step 808executes by generating graphics orders by PDL interpreter 254. Thus, thestream of data is received RIP firmware 252 and converted into graphicsorders.

Step 810 executes by executing the graphics orders by graphics renderingcomponent 256. Graphics rendering component 256 translates the graphicsorders to shapes, lines, figures, colors, markings, and other imageprocessing operations to create a logical representation of the pages ofthe document for the print job. The logical representation also may beknown as document image 212, disclosed above. Step 812 executes bygenerating document image 212 by RIP firmware 252.

Step 814 executes by determining whether scan privacy tool 200 is turnedon. In other words, the button or other toggle device has been selectedto enable scan privacy tool 200. For example, a button may be engaged onoperations panel 108 to turn on the scan privacy tool. If no, then step815 executes by RIP firmware 252 sending document image 212, as is, toengine firmware 150 for further printing operations.

If step 814 is yes, then step 816 executes by notifying imaginginterface 202 of the availability of document image 212. Further, beforethe print job or documents are actually printed, saved, or transmitted,the printing operations are suspended. Nothing is sent to enginefirmware 150. Step 818 executes by intercepting document image 212.Imaging interface 202 will retrieve document image 212 and send it todisplay and edit interface 204, as disclosed above.

Step 820 executes by performing scan privacy tool operations using scanprivacy tool 200, as disclosed above. Scan privacy tool 200 may applyprior pattern-rule pairs identified and saved in previous edits ofdocuments. The user also interacts with display and edit interface 204to perform and apply the tools and effects provided in scan privacy toollibrary 206. For example, information may be blurred using the tools anddisplay and edit interface 204.

Step 822 executes by finalizing updated document image 212. The editsand changes made to the document image may be saved. The selection of abutton to finalize the changes may occur on display and edit interface204. Updated document image 212 is sent back to imaging interface 202.The user also may select an “undo” button to reverse or override anyedit or changes to document image 212. The original document image maybe refreshed in display and edit interface 204. Flowchart 800 proceedsto step 815 with imaging interface 202 sending updated document image212 to engine firmware 150 for printing, saving, or transmission.

Thus, a printing system is able to present a scanned document imageusing the scan privacy tool so that edits, changes, and modificationscan be made without having to send the document image to a computer oruse known methods of hiding information within the document. Moreover,the patterns created during the modification of the document may bestored for future use in printing or scanning operations. The scanprivacy tool includes a display and edit interface that is displayed atthe MFP device or on an external device having a touch screen. The userselects a tool from the interface and applies the functions of the toolin making the changes to the scanned document image. The modifieddocument image may be saved or sent to an engine within the MFP devicefor further jobs, such as printing, faxing, copying, and the like. Thechanges to remove or obscure the private information are implementedduring the jobs.

As will be appreciated by one skilled in the art, the present inventionmay be embodied as a system, method or computer program product.Accordingly, the present invention may take the form of an entirelyhardware embodiment, an entirely software embodiment (includingfirmware, resident software, micro-code, etc.) or an embodimentcombining software and hardware aspects that may all generally bereferred to herein as a “circuit,” “module” or “system.” Furthermore,the present invention may take the form of a computer program productembodied in any tangible medium of expression having computer-usableprogram code embodied in the medium.

Any combination of one or more computer usable or computer readablemedium(s) may be utilized. The computer-usable or computer-readablemedium may be, for example but not limited to, an electronic, magnetic,optical, electromagnetic, infrared, or semiconductor system, apparatus,device, or propagation medium. More specific examples (a non-exhaustivelist) of the computer-readable medium would include the following: anelectrical connection having one or more wires, a portable computerdiskette, a hard disk, a random access memory (RAM), a read-only memory(ROM), an erasable programmable read-only memory (EPROM or Flashmemory), an optical fiber, a portable compact disc read-only memory(CD-ROM), an optical storage device, a transmission media such as thosesupporting the Internet or an intranet, or a magnetic storage device.Note that the computer-usable or computer-readable medium could even bepaper or another suitable medium upon which the program is printed, asthe program can be electronically captured, via, for instance, opticalscanning of the paper or other medium, then compiled, interpreted, orotherwise processed in a suitable manner, if necessary, and then storedin a computer memory.

Computer program code for carrying out operations of the presentinvention may be written in any combination of one or more programminglanguages, including an object oriented programming language such asJava, Smalltalk, C++ or the like and conventional procedural programminglanguages, such as the “C” programming language or similar programminglanguages. The program code may execute entirely on the user's computer,partly on the user's computer, as a stand-alone software package, partlyon the user's computer and partly on a remote computer or entirely onthe remote computer or server. In the latter scenario, the remotecomputer may be connected to the user's computer through any type ofnetwork, including a local area network (LAN) or a wide area network(WAN), or the connection may be made to an external computer (forexample, through the Internet using an Internet Service Provider).

The present invention is described with reference to flowchartillustrations and/or block diagrams of methods, apparatus (systems) andcomputer program products according to embodiments of the invention. Itwill be understood that each block of the flowchart illustrations and/orblock diagrams, and combinations of blocks in the flowchartillustrations and/or block diagrams, can be implemented by computerprogram instructions. These computer program instructions may beprovided to a processor of a general purpose computer, special purposecomputer, or other programmable data processing apparatus to produce amachine, such that the instructions, which execute via the processor ofthe computer or other programmable data processing apparatus, createmeans for implementing the functions/acts specified in the flowchartand/or block diagram block or blocks.

The flowchart and block diagrams in the figures illustrate thearchitecture, functionality, and operation of possible implementationsof systems, methods and computer program products according to variousembodiments of the present invention. In this regard, each block in theflowchart or block diagrams may represent a module, segment, or portionof code, which comprises one or more executable instructions forimplementing the specified logical function(s). It should also be notedthat, in some alternative implementations, the functions noted in theblock may occur out of the order noted in the figures. For example, twoblocks shown in succession may, in fact, be executed substantiallyconcurrently, or the blocks may sometimes be executed in the reverseorder, depending upon the functionality involved. It will also be notedthat each block of the block diagrams and/or flowchart illustration, andcombinations of blocks in the block diagrams and/or flowchartillustration, can be implemented by special purpose hardware-basedsystems that perform the specified functions or acts, or combinations ofspecial purpose hardware and computer instructions.

The terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing particularembodiments only and is not intended to be limiting of the invention. Asused herein, the singular forms “a,” “an” and “the” are intended toinclude plural forms as well, unless the context clearly indicatesotherwise. It will be further understood that the terms “comprises”and/or “comprising,” when used in this specification, specific thepresence of stated features, integers, steps, operations, elements,and/or components, but do not preclude the presence or addition of oneor more other features, integers, steps, operations, elements,components, and/or groups thereof.

Embodiments may be implemented as a computer process, a computing systemor as an article of manufacture such as a computer program product ofcomputer readable media. The computer program product may be a computerstorage medium readable by a computer system and encoding a computerprogram instructions for executing a computer process. When accessed,the instructions cause a processor to enable other components to performthe functions disclosed above.

The corresponding structures, material, acts, and equivalents of allmeans or steps plus function elements in the claims below are intendedto include any structure, material or act for performing the function incombination with other claimed elements are specifically claimed. Thedescription of the present invention has been presented for purposes ofillustration and description, but is not intended to be exhaustive orlimited to the invention in the form disclosed. Many modifications andvariations will be apparent to those of ordinary skill without departingfrom the scope and spirit of the invention. The embodiment was chosenand described in order to best explain the principles of the inventionand the practical application, and to enable others of ordinary skill inthe art to understand the invention for embodiments with variousmodifications as are suited to the particular use contemplated.

One or more portions of the disclosed networks or systems may bedistributed across one or more MFP systems coupled to a network capableof exchanging information and data. Various functions and components ofthe MFP system may be distributed across multiple client computerplatforms, or configured to perform tasks as part of a distributedsystem. These components may be executable, intermediate or interpretedcode that communicates over the network using a protocol. The componentsmay have specified addresses or other designators to identify thecomponents within the network.

It will be apparent to those skilled in the art that variousmodifications to the disclosed may be made without departing from thespirit or scope of the invention. Thus, it is intended that the presentinvention covers the modifications and variations disclosed aboveprovided that these changes come within the scope of the claims andtheir equivalents.

The invention claimed is:
 1. A printing system comprising: a printing device having an engine to receive a document to generate an image file to print; and a scan privacy tool to intercept and receive the image file from the printing device when invoked and to suspend printing operations at the engine, wherein the scan privacy tool is a separate component detachable from the printing device, the scan privacy tool including an imaging interface to receive and store the image file during the suspended printing operations, a display and edit interface to receive the image file from the imaging interface and to display the image file, wherein the display and edit interface receives an instruction to perform an action to identify a portion of the image file having characters, to modify the portion of the image file using an editing tool, wherein the portion is made private as indicated by the editing tool, and a scan privacy tool library to support the tool to modify the portion of the image file as displayed by the display and edit interface, wherein the display and edit interface sends the modified image file including the portion to the imaging interface, wherein the scan privacy tool stores the modified image file including the portion edited by the editing tool, wherein the editing tool is not part of the modified image file, wherein the engine receives the modified image file including the portion from the scan privacy tool to print the modified image file.
 2. The printing system of claim 1, wherein the display and edit interface stores the modified image file in a memory accessible by the scan privacy tool.
 3. The printing system of claim 1, wherein the privacy tool library includes previously selected pattern-rule pairs having pairs of patterns and modification rules to apply to the portion of the modified image file.
 4. The printing system of claim 1, wherein the scan privacy tool is supported by a device wirelessly connected to the printing device.
 5. The printing system of claim 4, wherein the scan privacy tool is enabled by a tablet or mobile device, such that the editing tool is selected at the tablet or mobile device.
 6. The printing system of claim 2, wherein the memory includes a memory storage device detachably connected to the scan privacy tool to store the document.
 7. The printing system of claim 1, wherein the scan privacy tool library includes library tools to perform an action to modify the image file.
 8. A system for printing a document, the system comprising: a printing device to receive the document and generate an image file of the document; a device connected to a network to send the document to the printing device, wherein the document is created or stored on the device; and a scan privacy tool, detachably connected to the printing device over the network, to intercept the image file and to suspend printing operations, the scan privacy tool configured to store the image file in a memory on the scan privacy tool, to identify a portion of the image file having characters, to select an editing tool from a plurality of tools supported by the scan privacy tool, and to modify the portion of the image file, wherein the scan privacy tool performs an action to modify the portion of the image file using the editing tool to make the portion private, wherein the editing tool corresponds to the action, and to store the modified image file including the privatized portion edited by the editing tool, wherein the editing tool is not part of the modified image file, wherein the image file including the portion is provided to the printing device to print the document with the privatized portion.
 9. The system of claim 8, wherein the device connected to the printing device is a computing device.
 10. The system of claim 8, wherein the device connected to the printing device is a memory storage device or a server.
 11. The system of claim 8, further comprising a network to wirelessly exchange information between the device and the printing device, wherein the device sends the document to print over the network to the printing device.
 12. The system of claim 8, wherein the scan privacy tool includes an imaging interface, a display and edit interface, and a scan privacy tool library.
 13. The system of claim 11, wherein the scan privacy tool is not physically attached to the printing device such that the image file is intercepted and sent to the scan privacy tool over the network.
 14. A method for printing a document, the method comprising: receiving the document at a printing device; generating an image file of the document to be printed at the printing device; invoking a scan privacy tool to suspend the printing operations; intercepting the image file by the scan privacy tool; storing the image file in a memory on the scan privacy tool; selecting a computer-implemented editing tool supported by the scan privacy tool; modifying a portion of the image file using the editing tool of the scan privacy tool, wherein the modified portion is made private by an action corresponding to the editing tool; saving the privatized portion of the image file edited by the editing tool at the scan privacy tool in a memory on the scan privacy tool, wherein the editing tool is not part of the image file; and transmitting the image file including the privatized portion from the scan privacy tool to the printing device.
 15. The method of claim 14, further comprising receiving the image file from a device connected to the printing device.
 16. The method of claim 14, further comprising receiving the document from a device connected to the printing device over a network.
 17. The method of claim 14, wherein saving the privatized portion of the image file includes storing the privatized portion of the image file on a device external to the printing device.
 18. The method of claim 14, further comprising displaying the image file includes using a display and edit interface of the scan privacy tool.
 19. The method of claim 14, further comprising applying a rule and a modification pattern to the image file using a scan privacy tool library of the scan privacy tool. 